Amazon should build its next distribution center in Milton, Rep. and selectboard member Brenda Steady says

By Guy Page

Amazon is appealing the Town of Essex Development Review Board’s rejection of its planned 107,000 square foot distribution facility at 637 Kimo Drive. Now at least one neighboring town is telling the online retail giant, ‘you’re wanted here.’

Officials with the Town of Milton have reportedly reached out to Amazon following the July 17 DRB decision, which claimed the application provided citing the application’s ‘faulty traffic data” and other “non-compliance” as examples of “the project’s failure to comply with mandatory provisions of the Town of Essex Official Zoning Regulations and Town of Essex Standard Specifications for Construction.”

Following NBC5 reports about Milton’s interest, selectboard member and Rep. Brenda Steady contacted VDC saying she supports “Amazon coming to Milton since Essex doesn’t want them.”

“Amazon is a great company. If they come to Milton they will bring in jobs in every aspect from the structure of the building, engineers, plumbers, elections, painters, landscapers not to mention the many internal jobs once it is up and running,” Steady said.

Milton already has a robust industrial park, located off Rte. 7. That facility, plus the town’s apparent desire to be home to an Amazon distribution facility, could make Chittenden County’s northernmost town an appealing alternative if the Essex appeal doesn’t work out.

While Amazon is often criticized for taking customers away from Main Street businesses, Steady sees two upsides.

“It would be a lifeline to the people who don’t have a way to go to the store to shop. Not everyone has transportation and Amazon is a lifeline for these people including the elderly and disabled that do not have transportation,” Steady said.

In addition to the jobs building and staffing the facility, local businesses would benefit, Steady said.

‘I also think of our local businesses that will benefit. Workers will most likely patronize Milton Diner, Dunkin’ Donuts, Adam’s Table, Hannaford’s and all the other wonderful places in Milton. Think of the revenue that will be brought to our town. It would be fiscally irresponsible of me as one Selectboard member not to think of the economic advantages to Milton.”

Steady concluded with an appeal that Milton is building homes and welcoming businesses – in stark contrast to some other Vermont towns.

“Milton is one of the fastest growing communities in Vermont. We are building housing left and right and Amazon will offer job opportunities including our younger generation who are trying to find part-time local work. I can imagine they will offer work on school vacations and summers to the students of MHS.”

There’s also the property tax benefit. Most Amazon distribution centers pay more than $1 million a year in local taxes. For example, Beloit Wisconsin’s 175,000 sq. ft. facility pays more than $3 million.

Amazon’s appeal of the Essex decision will go to Vermont Superior Court, and then if needed to the state’s environmental court.